Cougars topic of meeting

Agriculture, government, wildlife groups expected to attend.

Agriculture, government, wildlife groups expected to attend.

January 21, 2006|Tribune Staff Report

BERRIEN SPRINGS -- The cougar, or cougars, reported to be in Berrien County have received the attention of state lawmakers. At 2 p.m. Monday, at the Berrien Intermediate School District Conference Center, 711 St. Joseph Ave., Berrien Springs, state Reps. John Proos, R-St. Joseph; Neal Nitz, R-Baroda; and Tonya Schuitmaker, R-Lawton, will be on hand to discuss the issue. "A cougar could be a detriment to Southwest Michigan's livestock,'' said Nitz, the chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. "But the safety of Michigan residents is our No. 1 concern. There has been a lot of recent press regarding possible sightings, and we thought it was appropriate to offer concerned citizens a public forum with officials and experts." After a horse in northern Berrien was mauled and killed in November, experts from the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy went on record attributing the attack to a cougar. However, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources claimed there are no cougars in southwestern Michigan and argued the horse was possibly the victim of wild dogs or coyotes. Wildlife groups, government officials and agricultural representatives are expected to attend Monday's meeting. Area residents are encouraged to turn out as well to voice their opinions. More information can be obtained by contacting Proos' office at (888) 656-0079 or by e-mailing him at johnproos@house.mi.gov.